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Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars has been on everybody’s tongues. It has taken the internet by storm. Among many celebrities, one of the most famous sports personalities, Shaquille O’Neal also reacted to this incident by presenting his own opinion.

Will Smith received his first Oscar after countless noteworthy performances. A true legend of Hollywood won the award for the best actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams, father of super sisters Serena and Venus Williams in the biopic King Richard.

WATCH THIS STORY: NBA stars react to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock.

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Many sports personalities from the NFL and NBA reacted to the incident. Many stars have put up a front that suggests that they did not see much wrong in taking such an action to defend your spouse’s honor.

However, many would argue that it was an overreaction from Will Smith’s side. In Shaq’s opinion, it was not.

Shaquille O’Neal in support of how Will Smith acted

On The Big Podcast with Shaq, Shaq, Nischelle Turner, and Spice Adams discussed the slap gate incident. Nischelle Turner expressed her views that, for her, it was a bit of an overreaction. She said that Will was wrong and he shouldn’t have done that.

Shaq interrupted her and asked, “Was he?” To this, Adams added that in his opinion too, he was wrong. Shaq then put his opinion clearly.

Shaquille O’Neal said, “No he wasn’t. No, he wasn’t [wrong]. I have done the same thing. When I was married. Don’t ever get it twisted. I am not talking about what I have done, but trust me, I’ve done the same thing before.”

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Adams and Turner put up their points on how Smith could have handled the situation way better. Turner suggested that what he did after the slap could have been his only reaction and it still would have had the same impact.

Nischelle added that he could have walked up to the stage and shouted at him to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth, instead of slapping Chris Rock. Adams tried to make the point that it was a joke and also agreed with Nischelle.

ALSO READ: Draymond Green gives a realistic view on Will Smith-Chris Rock incident.

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Now you might agree with Shaq’s opinion or might have a stance on what Nischelle feels. Either way, you can not judge what Will and his wife must have felt for him to take such an action. It is true that Will Smith could have, and most probably should have, handled it better. 

However, that is not something set in stone. What did you think of the incident? Should Will Smith have reacted the way he did? Let us know in the comments!